PAIR6002 Contemporary Security Challenges

Module Overview

The module provides an overview of the main security challenges facing the world today. Drawing on classic and contemporary literature from International Relations and other academic disciplines, together with case studies, we consider such questions as: what are the main threats to security today and in the near future? What is the nature of these threats? From what and against whom? How might they be addressed? The module examines these questions in the context of the policy options that may be available. For students enrolled in the MSc International Security and Risk degree, the issue-based approach in Contemporary Security Challenges complements the theory- driven approach in the module Security Theory.

Module Details

Semester:

Semester 1

CATS points:

20

ECTS points:

10

Level:

Level 7

Module Lead:

Steven Chisnall

Aims and Objectives

Module Aims

• Appraise the major security problems which dominate world affairs today.
• Evaluate the notion of security in the evolution of the global system.
• Analyse the policy options available at national and international levels.
• Solve problems in groups and reflect on group process through a written piece of formative
work.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Demonstrate the ability to appraise the major security challenges dominating world affairs today.

Demonstrate the ability to develop and present policy options at national and international levels

Demonstrate the ability to solve problems in groups and individually

Syllabus

Drawing on a wide span of interdisciplinary research and information, Contemporary Security Challenges examines key security issues affecting global security. Through a series of in-depth, research-led seminars, students will have opportunities to explore the core security issues through a number of case studies and simulations. The topics to be covered are likely to include war and conflict, nuclear weapons, terrorism, cyber threats, the UN, drone violence, disease and security, the environment and climate change, and intelligence and the surveillance state.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Student learning will be achieved through a combination of interactive lectures, group-based tutorial discussions and debates, case studies, simulations and independent study. Learning activities and assignments are designed to encourage critical thinking, intellectual autonomy and evidence-based argument.

Type

Hours

Teaching

24

Independent Study

176

Total study time

200

Resources & Reading list

Richard K Betts (2012). Conflict After the Cold War.

P.D. Williams, ed (2012). Security Studies: An Introduction.

Michael Clarke (ed.), (1995). New Perspectives on Security.

Barry Buzan, Ole Waever, and Jaap de Wilde (1998). Security. A New Framework for Analysis.

Edward .Kolodiej (2005). Security and International Relations.

Stephen Van Evera. Causes of War: Power and the Roots of Conflict.

Lawrence Freedman, ed., (1994). War.

Michael Klare and Y Chandrani (1998). World Security: Challenges for a New Century.